Alice in Sunderland: An Entertainment is a 2007 graphic novel by comics writer and artist Bryan Talbot. It explores the links between Lewis Carroll and the Sunderland area, with wider themes of history, myth and storytelling. It was described in a review by Michel Faber as a "gloriously ambitious mix of myth, history and autobiography",[1] and by Rachel Cooke as "one the most exhilarating books (she had) read in years" and "a minor masterpiece".[2]

Alice in Sunderland
AuthorBryan Talbot
IllustratorBryan Talbot
Cover artistJordan Smith
LanguageEnglish
GenreGraphic novel, History, Fantasy
Published5 April 2007
Jonathan Cape (UK),
Dark Horse (US)
Publication placeUK
Media typeHardcover
Pages328
ISBN978-0-224-08076-7 (UK),
ISBN 978-1-59307-673-3 (US)
OCLC72868042

Overview

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The artwork for the main cover was drawn and made by graphic artist Jordan Smith. His daughter, Kaya Anna Lawson (Smith) is the model for Alice. She is featured on the front cover as Tenniel's Alice, as well as inside the book[3] as her normal self.

The work relates local history. It focuses upon the eponymous city, but also covers other towns and cities in North East England, such as Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Hartlepool. Local legends and tales are documented, including the Lambton Worm and the monkey hanged in Hartlepool.

It is published in the UK by Jonathan Cape, and in the US by Dark Horse.

Exhibition

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"Alice in Sunderland: The Exhibition" displayed work from the graphic novel, as well as exploring the various influences. It ran from April 5 to July 1, 2007, at The Cartoon Museum.[4] In advance of publication, pages from the book were on display at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary art in Sunderland's City Library on Fawcett Street.[5]


Awards

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References

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  1. ^ Michel Faber (10 June 2007). "From Lewis Carroll to Sid James". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  2. ^ Cooke, Rachel (2 April 2007). "He were a right bonny lad, that Mad Hatter". The Observer. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  3. ^ Page 158, last panel.
  4. ^ Manning, Shaun (27 April 2007). "Talbot's Alice in Sunderland at the Cartoon Museum". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
  5. ^ Robertson, Ross (27 March 2007). "News focus: Alice in Pictureland". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 2 April 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
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Interviews

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